Description
Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls with rich cream cheese frosting; decadent, velvety, and perfect for a romantic breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons (10g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1–2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel preferred)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (150g) packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Dough In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and cocoa powder. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the cocoa powder. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, warm the milk to approximately 110°F (45°C)—it should feel warm but not hot to the touch. Stir the melted butter into the warm milk, then add the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Whisk this liquid mixture until the color is uniform and vibrant.
- Step 2: Mix and Knead Pour the red liquid ingredients into the flour mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Gradually add the remaining cup of flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft, slightly tacky, and a beautiful red color. Place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Step 3: Prepare the Filling While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl until well combined. Set aside. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it generously with butter. This preparation ensures your Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls won’t stick to the pan.
- Step 4: Roll and Fill Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release air bubbles. On a floured surface, roll it into a rectangle approximately 16×12 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface, leaving a 1/2-inch border along one long edge. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the butter, pressing it lightly to adhere.
- Step 5: Shape and Second Rise Starting from the long edge without the border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal, then position the log seam-side down. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal rolls. Arrange them in the prepared baking pan, leaving some space between each roll. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Step 6: Bake and Frost Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 22-25 minutes until they’re lightly golden and cooked through. While they bake, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, mixing until creamy. Spread the frosting over the warm Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Cinnamon Rolls and serve immediately for the most romantic breakfast experience.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg